Professional Development

Education for other professionals through presentations, clinical coaching, resources, and collaborations.

READY TO LEARN MORE?

While orofacial myology has officially been a growing subspecialty for over 45 years and orthodontists have documented their concerns about orofacial myofunctional disorders since the early 1900s (albeit under different names), awareness and understanding of these disorders, and the options for treatment, are still emerging.

 

Often orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are either not taught or only briefly introduced in basic training programs for many health professionals including speech-language pathologists, orthodontists, and dentists. These professionals must then seek out additional professional development in this area if they are interested. As a result, not all health professionals are aware of current research and updated assessment and treatment protocols.

 

While the field of orofacial myology is slowly gaining attention over the past few years, it’s often difficult to filter through what is factual and evidence based, and what is hype or pseudoscience. This can result in confusing and conflicting information for both the general population and health professionals. Given the impact that OMDs can have on an individual’s health and ability to communicate, increasing awareness and understanding of OMDs in the health professions is vital. To support this endeavor, I offer education for other professionals through presentations, resources, and collaborations.

 

Look for your profession below to see how I may offer support.

If your profession is not on the list but you are interested in learning more about OMDs, please contact me directly to discuss options.

  • Speech - Language Pathologists

    • Have you been hearing about orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and would like to learn more about this field?

    • Are you wondering how these disorders may impact your current caseload?

    • Do you feel confident administering and interpreting an oral mechanism exam?

    • Are you wanting to know how to recognize OMDs and if/when you should refer?

    • Are you working as part of a team or within the school system and wondering how OMDs may present on your caseload?

    • Would you like support regarding how to talk with parents/caregivers about the results of your screenings/assessments?

    • Are you searching for simple, easy-to-implement strategies that can have a big impact on the success of your intervention?

    • CLICK HERE to view a poster explaining the full scope of practice for SLPs treating OMDs.

  • Health Professionals

    (e.g., Dentists, Orthodontists, Otolaryngologists (ENT), Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors, Allergists, etc.)

    • Are you aware of how orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) may impact your patients’ health and/or the success of your treatment/ intervention?

    • Are you wanting to know what signs and symptoms may be considered red flags for OMDs that are relevant to your profession?

  • Education Professionals

    • Are you aware of the relationship between orofacial myofunctional disorders, pediatric sleep disorders, and academic performance?

    • Are you wanting to better understand the speech/ language/ orofacial myofunctional disorder diagnoses of the students in your classroom?

    • Are you looking for additional ways to collaborate with your school SLP to support your student’s progress in therapy?